{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"General Service Technician Academy: Building Educational Foundation For Tomorrow’s Careers [THA 477]","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/general-service-technician-academy-building-educational-foundation-for-tomorrow-s-careers-tha-477","audioUrl":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/0b2e905d-9691-439a-8cf7-367674ea2f91.mp3","description":"Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty\n\nWatch Full Video Episode\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecorded live at VISION 2026, this episode highlights the General Service Technician Academy (GSTA), a two-day training program offered at VISION designed to build strong foundational skills for early-career automotive technicians. Host Carm Capriotto speaks with industry leader and shop owner Travis Troy and two young technicians who completed the program about how mentorship and structured training are shaping their careers.\nThe discussion emphasizes that great technicians are distinguished not by advanced tools alone, but by how well they execute fundamental skills. The GSTA curriculum covers essential, practical topics including OSHA training, lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair, alignments, thermal management (A/C), and hands-on electrical training.\nThe academy addresses a critical training gap in the industry through a hands-on learning model that encourages participants to learn it, practice it, and teach it, reinforcing both understanding and communication. Mentorship plays a key role in guiding young technicians who often face unclear career paths and discouraging workplace experiences, helping them build confidence, opportunity, and long-term direction.\nUltimately, the conversation reinforces a culture of continuous learning, highlighting that both new and experienced technicians benefit from revisiting the fundamentals to maintain safety, productivity, and professional growth in an increasingly high-tech automotive industry.\nVISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/\nTravis Troy, Honest Wrenches, Akeny and Des Moines, IA. Listen to Travis’ other episodes HERE\nKreon Golden, All Star Automotive, Columbia, MO\nJose Franssen, Skalackys Auto Repair, Fargo, ND\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS\n\nNAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/\n\nThanks to our Partner, Today's Class\n\nOptimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/\n\nThanks to our Partner, KUKUI\n\nStop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/\n\nThanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty\n\nYou’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/\n\nConnect with the Podcast:\n\n- Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/\n\n- Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters\n\n- Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976\n\n- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto\n\n- Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/\n\n- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/\n\n- Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz\n\n- Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/\n\n- Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider\n\n- All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books\n\n- Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom\n\n- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm\n\n- Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections\n\n- The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/\n\n- Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/\n\n- Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/\n\n- Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/\n\n- The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/\n\n- "},"annotations":[{"startTime":162.9,"endTime":176.3,"type":"concept","title":"General Service Technician Academy (GSTA)","url":"/glossary/general-service-technician-academy-gsta","quote":"you brought a couple of the students that were in the general service technician Academy GSTA 2022. It was started 2023 2023. 2023. It's a two day course helping the young people inside of our industry","canonicalId":"concept:general-service-technician-academy-gsta","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The General Service Technician Academy (GSTA) is a specialized training program designed to help young people in the automotive industry improve their skills in knowledge, safety, and productivity over a two-day course.","simplifiedExplanation":"GSTA is a short course that teaches new car mechanics important skills to help them do their jobs better and stay safe."}},{"startTime":220.0,"endTime":226.1,"type":"term","title":"toolbox","url":"/glossary/toolbox","quote":"they had like a little raffle for a toolbox. A little raffle. A little raffle for toolbox, you know.","canonicalId":"term:toolbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A toolbox is a container used to organize, carry, and protect tools. In automotive work, having a quality toolbox is essential for storing various hand tools and equipment needed for repairs and maintenance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A toolbox is a box where mechanics keep their tools so they can find and use them easily when fixing cars."}},{"startTime":241.8,"endTime":248.0,"type":"company","title":"NAPA","url":"/glossary/napa","quote":"It came from Kukui and Napa. And they've been doing that all over the country.","canonicalId":"company:napa","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"NAPA (National Automotive Parts Association) is a large automotive parts and accessories retailer and distributor in the United States, known for supplying professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts with quality parts and tools.","simplifiedExplanation":"NAPA is a company that sells car parts and tools to mechanics and people fixing their own cars."}},{"startTime":277.6,"endTime":282.5,"type":"concept","title":"rust","url":"/glossary/rust","quote":"That is located up in North Dakota. We see a lot of rusty vehicles, unfortunately. Yeah. Yeah. The rust capital of the world","canonicalId":"concept:rust","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rust is the corrosion of metal caused by exposure to moisture and oxygen, which can severely damage vehicles, especially in regions with harsh winters or high humidity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rust happens when metal on cars gets wet and starts to break down, making the car look bad and sometimes causing parts to stop working."}},{"startTime":419.1,"endTime":423.2,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"I started working at a Ford dealership and I started selling cars and in that process, I was like learning a lot about the cars that I was selling.","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and cars. Working at a Ford dealership often involves exposure to their vehicle lineup and sales processes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a big car company from America that makes many types of cars and trucks. If you work at a Ford dealership, you learn about the cars they sell and how to help customers buy them."}},{"startTime":419.1,"endTime":423.2,"type":"concept","title":"dealership","url":"/glossary/dealership","quote":"I started working at a Ford dealership and I started selling cars and in that process, I was like learning a lot about the cars that I was selling.","canonicalId":"concept:dealership","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A dealership is a business authorized to sell and service vehicles from one or more automotive manufacturers. Dealerships are often the first point of contact for customers buying new or used cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dealership is a place where people can buy cars and get them fixed. They work with car companies to sell their cars to customers."}},{"startTime":431.6,"endTime":436.3,"type":"concept","title":"turn a wrench","url":"/glossary/turn-a-wrench","quote":"I just going to like a jiffy loo just to get head start to turn a wrench started there.","canonicalId":"concept:turn-a-wrench","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The phrase 'turn a wrench' is a colloquial term meaning to perform mechanical work on vehicles, especially hands-on repair or maintenance tasks.","simplifiedExplanation":"To 'turn a wrench' means to work on fixing or taking care of cars using tools. It's a way to say you're doing mechanical work."}},{"startTime":431.6,"endTime":436.3,"type":"company","title":"Jiffy Lube","url":"/glossary/jiffy-lube","quote":"I just going to like a jiffy loo just to get head start to turn a wrench started there.","canonicalId":"company:jiffy-lube","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Jiffy Lube is a large chain of automotive service centers specializing in oil changes and basic maintenance services.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jiffy Lube is a place where you can take your car to get its oil changed and other simple car care done quickly."}},{"startTime":436.3,"endTime":442.36,"type":"company","title":"Big O Tires","url":"/glossary/big-o-tires","quote":"And then from there, I went to a big old tires, which is pretty cool.","canonicalId":"company:big-o-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Big O Tires is a tire and automotive service retailer offering tire sales, installation, and vehicle maintenance services.","simplifiedExplanation":"Big O Tires is a store where you can buy new tires for your car and get other car repairs or services."}},{"startTime":442.4,"endTime":447.2,"type":"brand","title":"Subaru","url":"/glossary/subaru","quote":"so far besides the one that I'm at now, this job is amazing. But I went to a Subaru dealership for about a year and a half and I stayed there.","canonicalId":"brand:subaru","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its use of all-wheel drive in most of its vehicles and boxer engines. It is popular for producing reliable, practical cars with a focus on safety and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes cars with special engines and all-wheel drive, which helps cars drive better in snow and rain."}},{"startTime":541.0,"endTime":548.6,"type":"brand","title":"Dodge","url":"/glossary/dodge","quote":"Short story, short. They're gone. I left. I went to Chrysler Dodge Deepenram. I was there for a year, worked as a loop deck, tried to work my way up, still couldn't work my way up.","canonicalId":"brand:dodge","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dodge is an American automotive brand known for producing performance-oriented vehicles, including muscle cars and SUVs. It is part of Stellantis and shares platforms with Chrysler and Jeep.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dodge is a car company from America that makes fast and powerful cars, like muscle cars and SUVs."}},{"startTime":541.0,"endTime":548.6,"type":"brand","title":"Chrysler","url":"/glossary/chrysler","quote":"Short story, short. They're gone. I left. I went to Chrysler Dodge Deepenram. I was there for a year, worked as a loop deck, tried to work my way up, still couldn't work my way up.","canonicalId":"brand:chrysler","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chrysler is an American automotive brand known for producing a range of vehicles including sedans, minivans, and luxury cars. It is part of Stellantis and has a history of innovation in vehicle design and engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chrysler is a car company from America that makes different types of cars, including family vans and luxury cars."}},{"startTime":553.7,"endTime":559.3,"type":"term","title":"asset program","url":"/glossary/asset-program","quote":"I left there, went to Ford, and I joined their asset program. Good. I was looking really, really good. And then they stopped giving me what I wanted.","canonicalId":"term:asset-program","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An asset program in automotive dealerships typically refers to a structured training or development program designed to build skills and knowledge in service technicians or other staff members. It aims to prepare employees for career advancement within the company.","simplifiedExplanation":"An asset program is a special training at a car company that helps workers learn new skills so they can get better jobs later."}},{"startTime":780.2,"endTime":785.2,"type":"concept","title":"shop management system","url":"/glossary/shop-management-system","quote":"Let's face it, your shop management system is the single most important tool in your shop, period. Napa Tracks was built from the ground up to make your business more profitable and efficient.","canonicalId":"concept:shop-management-system","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A shop management system is software designed to help automotive repair shops manage their operations, including scheduling, invoicing, parts inventory, and customer communication, to increase efficiency and profitability.","simplifiedExplanation":"A shop management system is a computer program that helps car repair shops organize their work, keep track of customers, and make more money by working smarter."}},{"startTime":988.6,"endTime":993.2,"type":"term","title":"multi-point","url":"/glossary/multi-point","quote":"\"Right away when I started out, it was very overwhelming. Doing a multi-point was a lot for me and I definitely missed a lot. But now after going through this program...\"","canonicalId":"term:multi-point","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A multi-point inspection is a thorough check of a vehicle's key systems and components to identify maintenance needs or potential issues. It typically covers brakes, tires, fluids, belts, and other critical parts to ensure safe and reliable operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"A multi-point inspection means checking many important parts of a car to make sure everything is working well. It helps find problems early so the car stays safe and runs smoothly."}},{"startTime":1376.4,"endTime":1413.9,"type":"concept","title":"lift safety","url":"/glossary/lift-safety","quote":"...everything from OSHA training to lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair...when's our next inspection? Don't worry about that. No, no, no, you don't understand. Yeah. Because it is so critical, so important today. Lift safety...","canonicalId":"concept:lift-safety","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lift safety involves proper use and inspection of vehicle lifts in automotive shops to prevent accidents and injuries. Training covers safe operation, regular inspections, and maintenance of lifts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lift safety means knowing how to use the machines that lift cars up safely so nobody gets hurt. It teaches you how to check and use these lifts the right way."}},{"startTime":1376.4,"endTime":1385.1,"type":"concept","title":"fluids and oil","url":"/glossary/fluids-and-oil","quote":"...everything from OSHA training to lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair...","canonicalId":"concept:fluids-and-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fluids and oil training covers the types, functions, and proper handling of automotive fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, which are essential for vehicle operation and maintenance.","simplifiedExplanation":"This training teaches about the different liquids cars need to run well, like oil and coolant, and how to check and change them safely."}},{"startTime":1376.4,"endTime":1385.1,"type":"concept","title":"tire safety and repair","url":"/glossary/tire-safety-and-repair","quote":"...everything from OSHA training to lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair...","canonicalId":"concept:tire-safety-and-repair","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tire safety and repair training involves learning how to inspect tires for wear or damage, maintain proper inflation, and perform repairs or replacements to ensure vehicle safety and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"This teaches how to keep car tires safe by checking for damage and fixing or changing them when needed."}},{"startTime":1376.4,"endTime":1385.1,"type":"concept","title":"OSHA training","url":"/glossary/osha-training","quote":"...So we've got, you know, everything from OSHA training to lift safety, fluids and oil, tire safety and repair...","canonicalId":"concept:osha-training","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"OSHA training refers to education on workplace safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It ensures employees understand how to maintain a safe working environment, especially important in automotive shops.","simplifiedExplanation":"OSHA training teaches workers how to stay safe on the job and avoid accidents. It's like learning the rules to keep everyone safe while working."}},{"startTime":1385.1,"endTime":1392.1,"type":"concept","title":"thermal management","url":"/glossary/thermal-management","quote":"...AC. I like to call thermal management. Thermal management. Yes...","canonicalId":"concept:thermal-management","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Thermal management in vehicles refers to controlling the temperature of systems such as the air conditioning (AC) and engine cooling to maintain optimal performance and comfort.","simplifiedExplanation":"Thermal management means keeping the car's temperature just right, like making sure the air conditioner cools properly and the engine doesn't get too hot."}},{"startTime":1385.1,"endTime":1392.1,"type":"concept","title":"alignments","url":"/glossary/alignments","quote":"...You've got alignments that we go through, AC. I like to call thermal management...","canonicalId":"concept:alignments","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alignments refer to adjusting the angles of a vehicle's wheels to the manufacturer's specifications. Proper alignment improves tire life, handling, and safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alignment means making sure the wheels point the right way so the car drives straight and the tires last longer."}},{"startTime":1399.8,"endTime":1409.5,"type":"company","title":"ALI, the Lift Institute","url":"/glossary/ali-the-lift-institute","quote":"...Can you imagine going through ALI, the Lift Institute, going back to the shop saying, when's our next inspection? Don't worry about that...","canonicalId":"company:ali-the-lift-institute","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"ALI, the Lift Institute, is a company that provides training, certification, and safety standards for vehicle lifts used in automotive shops to ensure safe operation and compliance.","simplifiedExplanation":"ALI is a group that teaches people how to use car lifts safely and makes sure the lifts meet safety rules."}},{"startTime":1430.5,"endTime":1436.8,"type":"concept","title":"ALI certification","url":"/glossary/ali-certification","quote":"talking about ALI and lift safety, one of the things that we did prior to this is we had our team get ALI certified during their onboarding","canonicalId":"concept:ali-certification","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"ALI certification refers to training and standards set by the Automotive Lift Institute, which focuses on the safe use and maintenance of vehicle lifts in automotive shops.","simplifiedExplanation":"ALI certification means learning how to safely use car lifts in a repair shop so cars don't fall or get damaged."}},{"startTime":1462.9,"endTime":1471.7,"type":"term","title":"wooden blocks","url":"/glossary/wooden-blocks","quote":"he came at the end and he said, why are we using wooden blocks to lift cars when we shouldn't be doing that?","canonicalId":"term:wooden-blocks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Wooden blocks are sometimes used as makeshift adapters on vehicle lifts but are unsafe because they can slip, break, or cause damage to the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wooden blocks are pieces of wood used to hold up cars on lifts, but they are not safe and can cause accidents."}},{"startTime":1479.8,"endTime":1485.3,"type":"term","title":"rubber blocks","url":"/glossary/rubber-blocks","quote":"I'm going to put you in charge of finding the rubber blocks that we need and the proper adapters. And let's get that outfitted for our stores.","canonicalId":"term:rubber-blocks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rubber blocks are used as adapters on vehicle lifts to provide a safer and more secure contact point between the lift arms and the vehicle's chassis, reducing the risk of damage or slippage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rubber blocks are soft pads that go between the car and the lift to keep the car safe and stop it from slipping."}},{"startTime":1521.8,"endTime":1571.0,"type":"concept","title":"basic electricity","url":"/glossary/basic-electricity","quote":"I'm going to start a discussion with my friend Travis here on the words basic electricity that you can just chime in anytime. And so every time you may see basic electricity on the scoreboard and you say, I just took that last year, I recommend you go again.","canonicalId":"concept:basic-electricity","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Basic electricity refers to fundamental electrical concepts and knowledge essential for automotive technicians to diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Basic electricity means understanding how electricity works in cars so mechanics can fix electrical problems."}},{"startTime":1785.9,"endTime":1790.4,"type":"term","title":"factory manual","url":"/glossary/factory-manual","quote":"\"Do you have any problem reading the factory manual? No. Do you think it's important? Yeah, it's important.\"","canonicalId":"term:factory-manual","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A factory manual is an official service and repair guide published by the vehicle manufacturer. It contains detailed technical information, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step procedures necessary for proper vehicle maintenance and repair.","simplifiedExplanation":"A factory manual is a book made by the car company that shows how to fix and take care of the car the right way."}},{"startTime":1795.0,"endTime":1797.9,"type":"term","title":"electrical diagram","url":"/glossary/electrical-diagram","quote":"\"...this is like trying to do electrical on the car without doing it, looking at a diagram. You don't know if you're going into looking at.\"","canonicalId":"term:electrical-diagram","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electrical diagram is a schematic representation of a vehicle's electrical system, showing the connections and components involved. It is essential for diagnosing and repairing electrical issues accurately.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electrical diagram is a picture that shows how the wires and electrical parts in a car are connected so you can fix problems correctly."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Carm Capriotto","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"AAP","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/general-service-technician-academy-building-educational-foundation-for-tomorrow-s-careers-tha-477/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}